BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY NOV. 22, 1963) — No, a hyper dimensional time warp has not grabbed THE PLANET. We know it’s not 1963, the same as you know why we list that fateful year in today’s dateline.

Cultural/social tipping points occur in every generation, those “you never forget where you were when you heard” moment:

April 12, 1912, the Titanic sinks, an ominous warning shot against too much hubris about and faith in technology as mankind’s savior.

Oct. 29, 1929, the U.S. stock market crashes, sending the world into a global Depression.

Nov. 22, 1963, President Kennedy is gunned down in Dallas, Texas, marking the true end of the 1950s and ushering in an unprecedented (and long overdue) cynicism about and distrust in government. This event, along with the Vietnam War, taught the most valuable civic lesson of all time: Where there is government, there is corruption, deceit, and a royal screwing of citizens by what in effect becomes the inevitable oligarchy.

Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by jet level the two buildings at the World Trade Center and ram into the Pentagon, changing forever the balance between freedom and security. Security wins and freedom gets thrown into its present death spiral.

THE PLANET‘s mom has experienced the last four in this list. We have been around for the most recent two.

It’s the JFK Assassination THE PLANET has never been able to forget. For one, it occurred on our birthday. You can imagine. We also beamed that Jack hailed from Massachusetts, had been to Pittsfield as a congressman and senator, and had actually driven by our home. We felt a personal connection. Add to that his youth and “vigah,” which stood in contrast to Dwight Eisenhower, his predecessor. Ike struck us as older than time. Of ourse, to a kid, anyone over 30 should be sitting in the corner gumming oatmeal and dribbling on his bib.

Leave it to the government to commit the biggest outrage of all for its role in destroying the evidence that contradicted the preposterous notion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, or even acted in charge, of the assassination. Too much credible research has been done by people like Mark Lane, David Lifton, and Cyril Wecht for anyone to have faith in The Lone Gunman theory as a reasonable speculation. Lyndon Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover, and a host of CIA and government spooks had too much riding on the outcome of the official investigation, hence, The Warren Commision. You’d be better off belivieving Marylin Monroe did it. She was hiding underneath the jump seat of the president’s Lincoln Continental limo on the fateful day.

This isn’t the time or place to present a full account of the overwhelming evidence pointing to conspiracy (the “magic bullet,” the disappearance of the massive head wound to the right occipetal parietal area of Kennedy’s head in the autopsy photos after every medical professional who treated the president in Trauma Room 1 of Parkland Memorial Hospital identifed that as the area bearing the fatal head trauma). Our purpose is to pick the scab off an old wound that has over the last 54 years been allowed to calcify with scar tissue to most Americans, especially those who were living on Nov. 22, 1963. Young people remain ignorant of history, especially of this single moment during which the American people officially had their government stolen from them by what we call The Suits. There is B.K., (Before Kennedy) and A.K. (After Kennedy). The assassination became that split second when everything changed for the civic worst. The Wizard of Oz had the moment it turned from black-and-white to color. Stanley Kubrick‘s masterpiece had Moonwatcher‘s bone jump-cut into an orbiting Soviet nuclear satellite. The United States of America, We The People, had Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

You can’t get home from there.

THE PLANET traveled to Dallas in 1988 on a writing assignment. While there, we made a point to visit Dealy Plaza. To this day, the scene of the crime looks much the same as it did when the presidential motorcade took that hard right from Houston Street on to Elm Street. We found out that day why its considered the loneliest place on earth.

With that, let us wish you all a happy, loving, and joyful Thanksgiving.

We shall return on Monday, resuming our multitudinour crusade for Truth, Justice, and The American Way. We and George Reeves.

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“The hearts of the world lie heavy with the helplessness of tears” — Lyric from “The Summer of His Years” sung by Connie Francis.

I will probably get into a fist fight with my grandson over a turkey leg and he may beat me silly with my cane as a result. But it has always been my policy that in my house I get the turkey legs. Both of them and there is to be no discussion. But this macho wannna be fake wrestling ten year old seems to think that since it will be Thanksgiving and it is supposed to be all about sharing crap that he is entitled to at least part of one. Sorry kid…forgettaboutit!! Stay the hell home next time.

If I have to ruin thanksgiving for everyone in the family I will do it and the kid can feel like it was all his fault. I get all pissed off just thinking about it. Who paid for the gaddamn bird anyway?

And then we will go through the whole same song and dance for Christmas I suppose unless I serve Bar S chicken and beef baloney sandwiches. But if it is free most of my family will show up anyway and leave a pile of dirty dishes behind. Get out of my way cat!!

Happy Thanksgiving to Dan Valenti, and family, and all the Planet Family friends. I still can give thanks, and am grateful for everything in my life. May God bless so many who are suffering….an increasing struggle.

There were 100 more families receiving free Thanksgiving meals this year which means that 100 more families are living in poverty in this area. The Berkshire Eagle runs an editorial today blaming Charlie Baker, just about the only Republican in Massachusetts, for the poverty and homelessness here in Berkshire County because he will not give enough money toward fighting these problems.

The implication of the Berkshire Eagle article is that If only Charlie Baker could be replaced by a Democratic governor, the issues of homelessness and poverty could be lessened here in Berkshire County. Trouble is we had the same worsening problem when Deval Patrick was Governor. Poverty is increasing in this area due to the serious lack of jobs. The BB doesn’t want to discuss the root causes of the societal problems of poverty and homelessness. The BB only wants to play partisan politics. The BB is shameless.

Times are tough no doubt but with the EBT card, the SNAP card, the nearly free housing, the free heat, the free car, and the free meals for the kids at school, it is hard to feel sorry for some, not all, of the adults. Alcohol, tobacco, heroin, and mary jane are choices and the diseases you get from them are caught not genetic, just like STDs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

p.s. Why do you think these churches got together when giving out the free meal? Because the free loaders were loading up on the freebees, so they can use the EBT card for more booze, tobacco and cardboard crack.

and now the mayor is going to give them all trash cans on wheels to live in

why can’t these people be satisfied peering in the windows at others sitting around their fire places with their families sipping cider?
But what DOES this city to for the poor? Was there a fund raiser at Herberg doing the Golden Oldies to help the homeless Pete? Does the United Way kick a few bucks to help?

The survival of big government depends on many people NEEDING big government. Keep throwing money at the problem as the Berkshire Eagle wants Charlie Baker to do. Rather than helping people to help themselves. Helping people to become independent means jobs (which Progressives do not have much interest in for obvious reasons) and lower taxes for a start.

I also agree that bad choices put many people in poverty. If you have ever watched “Shameless” starring Bill Macy and Emmy Rossum, you see many examples of people making really bad choices in life often revolving around drugs, alcohol and being irresponsible.

Let’s not forget the working middle class, however, who are responsible, but still have difficulty with higher taxation and the lack of good paying jobs in this area. This area is very Progressive, but many local companies pay terrible wages.

Congratulations to now permanent police chief Wynn. He truly deserves it as Pittsfield is all but a crime free small city and police shootings, police union thefts, and numerous police related law suits have been quietly and politically disposed of. According to the chief all matters are either a personnel matter or part of an open investigation, therefore citizens have no need to know anything and all issues will be surppressed in house.
No politics involved however as Mrs. Wynn, Christina Barrett Wynn was Trashy Tyer’s public relations campaign manager and is a well known political persona also feeding from the governmental, public trough. Nothing is as it seems in Pittsfield politics. Where have we heard the name Barrett before ???

I am sure everyone on the force had an equal and fair chance for the position because this mayor would not try to pull any funny stuff. Just ask her. And all the other candidates would probably tell you the same thing…maybe

People do not commit crime because of chief Wynn.Dumbest statement ever posted on the planet.President Kennedy warned America that powerful leaders will try to negate the value of the press and make you question the news.He also warned about the powerful military always needing an enemy.Trump fake news is here and we will spend 750 billion in the next 12 months……you cant play dumb if your still distracted by black football players peaceful respectful protest.Trump is a pig like Bill Clinton

School committee you are just NOT getting it. When gangs are allowed to get out of control in the city that IS when crime gets out of hand. It’s just one of many reasons for the increase in crime, but it is a major reason. Local law enforcement under excellent leadership will not let gang activity become the new normal for our city.

Also, School Committee, it’s the press that is making us question the press. Nobody else. We question them as much by what they don’t print as what they do print. By what they conveniently fail to mention, to prop up our local politicians. Sorry School Committee, but the press is to blame for the mistrust we now have of it. The press should NEVER be in bed with ANY political party. That is bad for our country. Bad for all of us.

You eithir understand what Kennedy was telling the American people or you dont.Pat can you atleast agree that clinton and Trump have both assaulted women.Trump admits it and Clinton was impeached for lying about it.

Puttin is worth 200 billion and the Russian mob blackmails everyone in cluding Trump,he kisses Puttins ass and tells Trump voters its a good thing..All I hear from Trump votersPlanet and Pat is they support Rusdian orPuttin.Trump family is always near the money laundering investments of Russian mob.

It may be a hard landing for you Pat, when all is said and done. Will you be visiting the Trump clan in prison to give them comfort? You should probably start making up notes on who you will blame once the Trump mafia is turned upside down.

Dan, I sure hope you are going to carve up and expose this new garbage collection proposal just unfurled. Why would the city want to go to a system that will hardly save the city any money and will actually cost the city money unless recycling is greatly increased? Why not simply enforce the city code now concerning garbage disposal? This proposal smells fishy. Follow the money. The city would not want to take on this migrane of a headache without a hidden motive because well, it’s Pittsfield.

Also, Will you serve us up your take on the prostituion that was run out of the senior housing apartment near the infamous HON. This story was picked up by New York Post and Fox news. Can’t help HONs business, or can it?

Lastly, how nice to have a police chief 10 years after the law called for one, even if the process was rigged from the get go and cost the city a small fortune that could have gone to help some fledging terrorist migrants set up shop here.

SISTER
Great comment on three issues.
We took apart the garbage issue a few columns ago. We exposed the lies of Tyer and Kerwood. This will cost the city at least $313,000 because Kufflinks didn’t include the $400,000 cost of buying the toters.
We will mention the Prostituion ring next week. Mayor Trashcan has nothing to say about it, of course.
The appt. of Wynn is like a piece of filo dough. There are layers with layers. With each succeeding one, the story gets worse.
Congratulations, Pittsfield. Under this current administration, you have become a redolent cesspool of official corruption, filth, and deceit.
THE PLANET is just getting started.

Not that I would know, but it seemed like a lot of money for Pittsfield girls especially if they were druggies. I think the couple that was running girls out of the Lee motel got off free so this guy may sail away if he uses the same lawyer.

Trashcan will soon be recognized as the undisputed worst mayor in city history, overseeing the total corruption of local government and an unprecedented era of departmental incompetence. And by all indications, financial receivership. Firefighters on Thursday almost lost their battle against a raging house fire because the nearby hydrant wasn’t working. Just add it to the list of unrepaired roads, inoperable traffic and streetlights, no engineering department, one of the worst school districts in the state and out of control bight that has nothing to do with trash removal.God, bless us everyone!

I must have been testing one of the would be totes under the old Bridge Lunch at North and Eagle, and had one too many nips and was on the nod. As usual, you are ahead of curve, and since the Eagle just got around to reporting it, the day after 1Berkshire, here is the link in case anyone else missed it:

Is the idea for toters to eliminate mega curbside garbage like chairs, couches etc? Is it to help the vendor purchase new trucks? Is it to create elderly chaos being that it is heavy to lug around. Is there really savings? The City is spending like a drunken sailor and getting nothing in return. So, two of the speakers at the Toter presentation were from out of town, one was from Lenoxdale,appointed by the Mayor, he spoke and another from Brookline, now a resident here,was asked by the Treasurer to speak? Two others that spoke,were in favor for the concept of recycling,and four others said it was a bad idea (toters)

What I heard was a lot of double talk, words that have several meanings,no real clear message on savings,and just utter bullshit when it comes to doing a better job of recycling? One citizen explained there is no place to put the Toter, another said we will get burned on the financial end, another suggested using different colored bags.

If the main problem is big garbage (Wags) left for whatever reason, tenants are usually responsible. Apartment Owners, should be required to obtain a security TRASH only deposit, if the tenant leaves a mess in the street, the deposit money is not given back to the tenant, and would be used to hire a private hauler. Same goes for a home owner, they sell their home, they pay for (wag) disposal. I’ve noticed many homes in the area being sold,when fall comes,and the leaves are left all over the street, leaving the neighborhood a mess.Realtors need to address that issue,pick it up.These are just a few suggestions.

Why isn’t Turocy doing any of the presentation on the toters,Why the treasurer? Under stand he’s the numbers guy, but it almost seems he’s doing the Commisioners, Haulers and Mayor’s job as far as selling this dumb thing.

Dusty, the reason Eddie Munster, as the former esteemed Mayor Jerry Doyle liked to refer to Kerwood, back when he had hair, was chosen to sell the garbage scam, I mean plan, is quite simple. In a word, money. Mr. Kerwood can make the numbers dance to Tyer’s tune, is long winded, and is a master of obfuscation, so he can easily talk circles around the average Joe, and therefore the average councilor, to the point where they are so worn out from listening, or so confused, they stop asking questions just to get it over with. Put simply, he is good at his job, a good politican, and a good lieutenant for the mayor.

He may be all those things you say at the end of your story. but is he good for the people who pay the taxes? When he was a city councilor he tried to railroad the people with the infamous CIVIC AUTHORITY.

Speaking of the civic authority there are probably few of us left that remember that attempted coup. There has been so much turnover of the Pittsfield population that much of the devious politics that have gone on is unknown to them. Many people who have moved here in the last few years actually think they are being well taken care of. They have no idea what goes on behind the political curtain.

Dusty, of course he is not good for the taxpayers. From a liberal, tax and spend mindset, he is good at his job, a good politician, and a good lieutenant for the mayor.

I recall the civic authority non-sense. Too bad all the fighters for us are gone – Joe Guzzo lost 100 pounds and walks around the city all day, you would hardly recognize him. Rick Scapin who is a great person and fought the good fight, somehow got beat by Rivers. I think Rick would win an at large seat easily. And Dan Bianchi, well we all know how after he got elected, he became a tax and spender himself, and with little real difference between him and Tyyer, the average liberal voted for Tyer, and Dan was done. I respect and admire all three of them for their fight for us. And let us not forget that the Eagle was in on the civic authority deal.

Yes the Eagle wanted Waconah park torn down. Said it was decrepit and had no value even historically. Lots of local politicians backed that idea (for some reason) I remember the name Massery as being one of the loudest voices supporting the Eagle plan. That whole event told you everything you needed to know about the people backing it. I remember all their names even today. That group is probably the root reason I do not trust any politicians today. They were willing to sell their own people down the road for personal gain. Grunin was another back stabber of the people.

Strangely enough Waconah Park is now a cherished gem. It is a miracle.

The person backing it was Larry Bossidy who was going to finance the whole thing. His local contacts were Chuck Garivaltis and Jack Brennan. Both were and are stand up guys. Bos had the $ to bring in major league affiliated minor league team. Pittsfield turned down a two million dollar stadium and spent the Kapansk’s money to upgrade Wahconah Park. It is far from a cherished gem and the team that plays there is nothing like the teams of old that trained many players for the big leagues.

You are way off on TES. His downfall was running out of salt for the roads, his salacious need to feed Scaraphony his rent,and as Cynthia Betters used to say, he just didn’t have the chutzpah to begin with.and he let Barry C, wherever he ,ay be push his buttons into oblivion. And other things.

Cacamo loves and pushes this and taxes go up while he has no skin in the game,he likes at home.Cacamo is overwhelmingly reelected as everyone always is.
The blog has zero influence as voters and administrators are not influenced by the planet.Some issues should have everyones support like Allendale school causing learning problems in that neighborhood.Also Yon ,Taylor Mccandless, Tyer are in denial about 5 to 11 year olds spending 35 hours a week on top of GEs chemical swamp…..I believe there is liability here on Tyer McCandless Yon….mostly Yonas she is the dictator of the other 2….hoping some lawyer sues you for her role in this school on a chemical swamp

The city is guided by federal and state regulations,and G E has met all the criteria concerning Allendale. Unless you start a big dig over there, and that isn’t going to happen anytime soon, then it is all pure conjecture of what has been buried over at Allendale. G E is Americas Company, the original Blue Chip Stock Company. They are the Teflon Don of Companies in the U.S…..Jappy Holidays Jack.

Does anyone believe that Cacamo. Actually was the driving force behind this toter farce? It’s obvious that Tyer’s fingerprints are all over this scam.

In watching the meeting on demand from the PCTV website I saw most of the speakers make great points. The woman in the public session was a joke. The guy from Lenox Dale was weak. How the hell did Tyer put him on a committee, talk about a buffoon. The last guy who moved here from Marlboro took the cake though. As I watched I thought that two burly guys with a net were about to show up and take the clown back to the home.

Cacamo is not the driving force. He was just told he was going to be the one to trot it out to the public. Was he going to say no ? I don’t think he is allowed to come up with his own ideas. That is not his roll. He is there to provide a sure vote…anything else is gravy.